Sheffield Wednesday: Carvalhal tips Bannan to bag again for Owls

There are plenty more goals to come from midfield maestro Barry Bannan, Sheffield Wednesday boss Carlos Carvalhal has predicted.
Barry BannanBarry Bannan
Barry Bannan

Bannan, who is on the brink of committing his long-term future to the Championship club, finally opened his Owls account in Saturday’s pulsating 2-2 draw at Cardiff City.

The Scot, making his 15th appearance for Wednesday, became the 14th different player to find the back of the net for Carvalhal’s side this season.

“Barry deserved that goal,” Carvalhal said.

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“He has missed some chances in the past but he deserved that happy moment.

“It is strange that was Barry’s first goal but I’m sure that will be the first of many.

“He is an important player for us and gives the team a lot of energy.”

The Owls head coach has expressed his delight over the goals coming from all departments of his side.

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“I don’t put anybody under pressure to score goals,” he stressed. “I put pressure on my players all the time to work for the team. That’s what I do.

“Goals must be natural and about the dynamic of the team.

“We probably have more scorers in the Championship than any other side. I think that is good. It means we have a good dynamic and that all the players can score.”

Carvalhal made one tactical change for the clash in South Wales, handing Michael Turner his first start for nearly two months to help combat the aerial threat of ex-Wednesday loanee Kenwyne Jones.

Turner’s recall meant Sam Hutchinson, who went off injured early, moved back into midfield and Alex Lopez dropped to the bench.

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“It was probably a little soon with Michael,” Carvalhal said. “We know Michael is not 100 per cent and we took some risks. He has missed a lot of weeks. He had some problems in the first half but was better in the second.”